Opinions & Interviews

Belarus-Lithuania logistic ties survive amid pandemic

An archive photo

MINSK, 8 July (BelTA) – Belarus and Lithuania have managed to preserve their logistic ties. The statement was made by Lithuanian Economy and Innovation Vice Minister Jekaterina Rojaka during the online meeting held on 8 July to discuss Belarus-Lithuania trade and economic cooperation after the pandemic, BelTA has learned.

The official said that Belarus-Lithuania trade rose by 2.5 times in previous decades. It is truly a big step forward but COVID-19 has had an effect on economic ties. “Truth be told, we have managed to preserve logistic chains, which is very important,” the official noted. Jekaterina Rojaka believes that despite the strong blow of the pandemic to the economies of the countries it opens up new opportunities for investments among other things.

The official continued: “Not only the private sector but governments of various countries have recently switched to using digital channels, which has considerably facilitated mutual relations. Digital exchange of information and opinions helps simplify work while borders are closed. There is no doubt that recent economic shifts such as falling oil prices, decrease in export and consumption have had a very negative effect on trade. The development of economies has slowed down. We see that our economic partners are facing great difficulties and integration is the main driver of growth now.”

Jekaterina Rojaka said she hopes that today’s online meeting of representatives of the Belarusian private sector and the Lithuanian one will allow discussing not only the risks the pandemic had brought about but new opportunities that will allow increasing Belarus-Lithuania trade and strengthening business ties.

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